Seedy

I have finally gotten a copy of this really fine movie. In conversations and correspondence with its producer I have learned that not only is it a superb movie, it's true! Most historical details for the movie came from a book about the event and the Japanese fishing vessel which was used in the real life raids is currently moored in the Sydney harbor where it is considered a national treasure. In the movie, a pontoon boat powered by two outboard motors was used. A sequel entitled "Heroes: the Return" was produced two years later, in 1990, and is even more carefully researched for historical accuracy. Much to my delight, the copies which I have of both the movie and its sequel are of their original mini-series lengths. The movie as shown on US television was a shortened version. Efforts are ongoing to find a way to release the movies on cassette in the United States although the producer doesn't expect any success for the venture. That will be unfortunate since "The Heroes" is such fine cinema and provides a glimpse into the sacrifices and intrigues of the war in the Pacific. It also helps us appreciate the contributions of the Australians.

This movie offers a sensitive and realistic, if not fully comforting, view of how parents can warp the lives of their children if they don't change their approach to them as they grow-up. An experienced high school counselor once told me that while parents should exercise consistent and reasonable control on younger children, they should ease into being consistently loving and supporting, not controlling, as their children move into the high school years. By that time values have been formed and continued control serves only to warp and distort relationships. This movie illustrates very well how unrealistic parental expectations can smother and alienate children. There are great lessons here, especially regarding sexual matters and the unique aspirations of individual children. This movie deserves a very wide audience. Beyond the message and plot, this is a movie with fine production standards and near brilliant directing. The holds and fades are timed to perfection and the cast is superb. I'd recommend this one to anyone without hesitation.

Start with Paul Newman and Sally Field and you don't need much more, but this film delivers a lot more. The plot takes some unexpected turns but develops logically and clearly with just enough suspence to keep viewers entranced. When concluded you realize how all elements of the plot are kept within reasonable bounds and how refreshing that is. Here's a film that relies on character development and an intriguing plot with an important message. No special effects, gore and bedroom scenes needed to make this a great movie.